Orlando Magic: 2017 NBA Draft grades
The Orlando Magic had one of the most intriguing nights at the 2017 NBA Draft, landing two intriguing prospects and making a pair of deals to build for the future.
In search of their first playoff berth since 2012, the Orlando Magic placed an emphasis on versatility with their first selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Trapped in the longest playoff drought in franchise history, Orlando is hoping its three draft selections Thursday night will be enough to move into playoff contention this year and provide the building blocks of a potential championship contender in the near future.
With four of the first 35 picks in the 2017 NBA Draft, the team was active on the trade market throughout the night, beginning with the No. 25 pick, used on Andzejs Pasecniks, a forward out of Latvia going to Philadelphia for a future first round pick.
Now. Orlando IS trading the 25th pick: to Philadelphia future first round pick. Sixers have taken C Andzejs Pasecniks from Latvia.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 23, 2017
Prior to dealing Pasecniks, the Magic shipped the 35th overall selection to Memphis in exchange for a future second round pick (in 2019).
Orlando has traded the 35th overall pick to Memphis for a future second-round pick, source told ESPN. https://t.co/MgbvD1vfHQ
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 23, 2017
Orlando tabbed the prospect with perhaps the most upside in the class of 2017 with the sixth overall pick, hoping his combination of size, athleticism and shooting touch on the perimeter translates into a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor.